Fireworks are the the quintessential American celebration of independence. Ever since the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner were penned in 1812, we have been captivated by the pyrotechnic artistry that paints the dark sky with colors and patterns in sync with patriotic music. However, you don’t have to go to Washington, D.C., New York, or even the sports arenas of Denver to see a fireworks show for the ages. Instead, beat the heat and escape to Colorado Ski Country USA, where summer recreational opportunities are as limitless as the mountain sky. Resorts and nearby towns throughout Ski Country will be hosting family-friendly July 4th celebrations packed with activities for kids and adults alike, capped off with brilliant fireworks shows to celebrate 238 years of freedom. See below for detailed information about July 4th festivities occurring at or near Colorado Ski Country USA member resorts.

Aspen/Snowmass

The City of Aspen celebrates Independence Day with a whimsical twist. Approximately 20,000 local residents and visitors come together to honor the nation’s birthday in true American style. Festivities include a parade, U.S. Air Force jet flyby, concerts, a kid’s bicycle rodeo, and spectacular fireworks over Aspen Mountain. For more information, visit http://www.aspen4th.com/ .

Copper Mountain

July 4 falls on the first day of Coppers 3 Ring Weekend, a free family event featuring music, fireworks, a conscious carnival, “Primp my Ride” kid-powered parade and hands-on activities designed to educate and entertain. Headlining on the 3 Ring Weekend Stage is Nickelodeon’s own Max Schneider, who stars on NBC’s Crisis and whose hit song Mug Shot just debuted in this spring’s movie release of Veronica Mars. For more information, visit http://villageatcopper.com/3Ring/.

Guests at Copper can travel to nearby Frisco for fireworks over Dillon Dam beginning at 9:30 pm. The town of Frisco has a full slate of Independence Day events as well, for more information visit http://www.townoffrisco.com/events/4th-of-july/.

Crested Butte

The fun starts early in the morning on the 4th of July at the Crested Butte Fire & EMS Department’s pancake breakfast. If you’re looking to get some exercise in before tucking into some pancakes, the Annual Gothic to Crested Butte Run, Walk, or Crawl 1/3 Marathon organized by the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory has 500+ participants making the jaunt from historic Gothic, CO to downtown Crested Butte on foot.

The annual parade down Elk Avenue begins at 11AM, a fabulous spectacle of floats, music, and fun followed by the town water fight. With music and food at the food court throughout the day along with a free concert and fireworks in the evening in the base area, it’s going to be a truly special Independence Day in Crested Butte. For more information, visit http://www.skicb.com/plan-your-trip/deals/53/Fourth-of-July-

Durango Mountain Resort

Guests at Durango Mountain Resort have two options for fireworks: Stay at Durango Mountain Resort and leave the driving to the resort staff when they head to Silverton for the incredible fireworks display – it’s a virtual amphitheatre as the sky is filled with bursts of sparkles and sound. The resort shuttle leaves at 5:00 pm and is only $30 round trip. Shuttle space is limited; guests can book their reservations today by calling (970) 426-7282. For more information about the full schedule of July 4th activities in Silverton, visit http://1.usa.gov/1qCvOrp.

Alternately, guests can head to the town of Durango for a parade, street dance and fireworks display. Call on Demand shuttle service available to guests at the Resort. Transportation reservations required by calling (970) 426-7282.

Ski Granby Ranch

The town of Granby has the biggest small town parade in Colorado beginning, at 11:00a.m. After the parade, Granby Ranchwill host an afternoon of fun from 1pm-4pm. Grab a burger or hot dog and let your kids enjoy the carnival, including free face painting, a bounce house, carnival games set up for the kids. Adults can grab a drink from the Granby Ranch Grill and enjoy the DJ on the back patio. It’s a great way to be with family, friends, and enjoy beautiful Granby on the 4th of July. For more information, visit http://www.granbyranch.com/event-calendar.html.

Steamboat Ski Resort

For more than 100 years Steamboat Springs, Colorado has celebrated Independence Day in true western fashion. This is a special holiday and Steamboat does it right with a hometown parade ending in a big dance party in the street. Events like the Pro Rodeo Series and Pioneer Days Block Party, featuring a free concert and Root Beer Floats for the kids, are proof that Steamboat Springs’ western roots are alive and well. In addition, Steamboat Ski Resort will be hosting its Luau Party & Pig Roast at the Steamboat Grand. Guests can dine on slow Smoked Shredded Pork, Banana Leaf Steamed Hawaiian Fish w/ Tropical Sweet & Sour Sauce, Coconut Rice, Teriyaki Chicken Satays, Smashed Purple Sweet Potatoes and a variety of salads. Top it off with Coconut Cream Pie, Pineapple-Caramel Cake and Coconut Macaroons for dessert and live music. Prices are $29.95 for Adults, $12.95 for kids 6-12 years. Children 5 and under eat free. A cash bar is offered featuring rum punch and other tropical cocktails. Book here or call reservations at 1-800-922-2722. After the rodeo, guests watch the sky fill up with the beautiful colors of one of the biggest firework shows in Colorado, directly above the historic Howelsen Hill Ski Area. For more information about the full calendar of July 4 events in Steamboat Springs, visit http://www.steamboat-chamber.com/signature-events/july-4th-celebration.

Telluride

The 4th of July in Telluride is small-town Americana at its finest, with running races, parade, BBQ, family games in Town Park, airplane flybys, and fireworks.

The day kicks off with the Telluride Foundation’s Rundola, a recreational foot race to benefit the Telluride Foundation. Participants begin at the base of the gondola in the town of Telluride and finish at the top of the ridge adjacent to the San Sophia gondola mid-station. Get your sweat on for a good cause before the rest od the day’s festivities! Click here more more information and to register for the Rundola.

The Telluride 4th of July Parade begins at 11:00 am on historic Main Street. The sidewalks are packed as locals and visitors cheer for goofy costumes, homemade floats, music, and an airplane fly-over provided by volunteers from the Colorado National Guard. The Telluride firemen then put on their famous barbeque in Town Park. The whole town is invited to dine, play the family games in the park, and enjoy the sunshine. The firemen pile the plates high with mouth-watering BBQ, only $12 for adults and $7 for kids.

As the sun sets over the San Juan Mountains, the town collectively holds its breath for the unbelievable fireworks show. The firefighters shoot off the fireworks just above Town Park making for a display that you can see from almost anywhere in town. Enjoy the show from a blanket in the park, while enjoying a cocktail along Main Street, or from the top of the Gondola. For more information about 4th of July Weekend events happening at Telluride SKi Resort and in the Town of Telluride, visit http://www.tellurideskiresort.com/events-activities/.

Winter Park

Start your celebration early by visiting the Annual Fraser Valley Lion’s Club Pancake Breakfast in downtown Winter Park from 8am-11am, followed by Lance Gutersohn’s 4th of July Celebration for a full afternoon of fun. The Fraser Sports Complex will be bustling with activities including kids games and inflatables, face painting, and balloon rides. Activities will be happening from 6pm until dark when the REMAX Peak to Peak Fireworks Display begins.​ For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1pzLbno.

In addition, guests at Winter Park Resort can enjoy a variety of live music on Friday afternoons in the Village gazebo from 4-6pm. With a great selection of local and Denver artists, relax by the pond after a long summer day on the mountain, including The Raygunomics (80’s to current rock) on July 4th.